Pandas are endangered according to the IUCN Red List. In China's national survey conducted in 2014, it was found that not more than 1,864 giant pandas remain in the wild.

Panda habitats are constantly being compromised and fragmented by human activities and natural disasters, both of which make it harder to find food and breed. Bamboo flowering may pose an additional threat to pandas' survival as they are selective in their diet – each panda eats three to five species of bamboo only.

Over 60 panda nature reserves covering 23,000 km2 of panda habitats have been set up to conserve pandas and other wildlife, but the majority of these reserves are desperately short of cash and equipment.

The earthquake of 12 May 2008 affected 83% of China's panda habitats, and over 500 km2 were completely destroyed (that's an area equivalent to 2,630 Victoria Parks in Hong Kong). The breeding centre in Wolong and some field stations were also destroyed, which has compromised patrolling and research activities. Roads and highways were likewise seriously damaged, making it harder to bring in essential supplies.
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